Alcohol addiction is a disease. If you want to treat any disease, you need the help of medical experts. If you or someone you care about struggles with alcoholism, alcohol rehab might be on your radar. Let this serve as your guide to the recovery process. Learn why detox is a necessity and what to expect from alcohol rehab.
The First Step–Alcohol Detox
The first and arguably most important step on the journey to sobriety is an alcohol detox. This is when patients stop drinking alcohol completely. Most people go through a withdrawal stage at this point. While it may be unpleasant at times, it is critical to sobriety that can last a lifetime.
Alcohol detox often lasts for about one week, although the exact duration can vary from patient to patient. The first mild withdrawal symptoms appear anywhere from six to nine hours after the last sip of alcohol. From then on, symptoms will intensify until they reach their peak about 72 hours into the process. Fortunately, that peak marks the moment when symptoms become less intense until they disappear altogether.
Detox is so important because it allows patients to break the chemical bonds of alcohol addiction. An addiction to alcohol may have physical, psychological and emotional components, and each deserves attention. However, the physical side of addiction has to be dealt with first. Once detox is over, patients will be healthier, they will be able to think logically, and they will be prepared for the next steps in the journey.
The Need for Medical Support on Your Recovery Journey
One of the most dangerous misconceptions about recovery is that you can do it alone. Both alcohol rehab and detox require medical supervision and treatment. Attempting this on your own could put your success, as well as your health, at risk.
To start, many patients experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms during their detox from alcohol. While this is normal and often not a sign of a serious problem, it can still be highly challenging. Rather than suffering in silence, patients in detox facilities will be able to get resources that can help. From prescription medications to sedatives and IVs, these options will improve comfort every step of the way.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms can be more severe. In these cases, it is vital that patients be carefully monitored. This is especially true for patients with a severe addiction or with health problems. With medical monitoring, any major issues can be identified and resolved before it is too late.
Finally, addiction professionals can be a source of psychological support and accountability. Not all withdrawal symptoms are physical and it is normal to experience serious cravings as well as mental health struggles. Having help and support along the way increases the chance of completing the detox and being able to move onto an alcohol rehab program in the future.
After Detox–What Comes Next
After a successful detox from alcohol, addiction experts can guide you to the next step. For many patients, that means alcohol rehab. There are many varieties of rehab to choose from, and you’ll be able to find the one that best suits your recovery and lifestyle.
Some patients gravitate toward a residential rehab program, which offers 24/7 support and accountability. Others find that an outpatient rehab allows them to transition back to their independent lives in less time. Whatever you choose, rehab will be able to build upon the success of detox and better prepare you for a sober life without relapse.
Begin Your Journey to Alcohol Rehab at Serenity House Detox & Recovery
Serenity House Detox & Recovery is the ideal place to begin your journey to sobriety. Before you need alcohol rehab, you need to get completely clean and sober, safely. Our detox center can offer a secure, healthy and effective route to sobriety.
Patients at Serenity House Detox & Recovery can expect all of the following:
- Medical detox with 24/7 supervision
- Minimal pain during detox
- Pharmacological and holistic resources
- Individualized care
- Meditation therapy during detox
Before alcohol rehab, you need alcohol detox. Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Houston, Texas, can deliver a pain-free and safe way to kickstart your sobriety. Call us at 866.516.8356 for details on how to take that first step to a better life.
